Excerpted from Wikipedia on 26-Oct-2014
Sources:
URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solitude
URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_isolation
URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emotional_isolation
Solitude is a state of seclusion or isolation, i.e., lack of contact with people. It may stem from bad relationships, loss of loved ones, deliberate choice, infectious disease, mental disorders, neurological disorders or circumstances of employment or situation.
Short-term solitude is often valued as a time when one may work, think or rest without being disturbed. It may be desired for the sake of privacy.
A distinction has been made between solitude and loneliness. In this sense, these two words refer, respectively, to the joy and the pain of being alone.
Long-term solitude is often seen as undesirable, causing loneliness or reclusion resulting from inability to establish relationships. Furthermore, it might even lead to clinical depression.
Emotional isolation is a state of isolation where one may have a well-functioning social network but still feel emotionally separated from others.
Population-based research indicates that one in five middle-aged and elderly men (50–80 years) in Sweden are emotionally isolated (defined as having no one to confide in). Of those who do have someone to confide in, eight out of ten confide only in their partner. Men having no one to confide in are less likely to feel alert and strong, calm, energetic and happy. Instead, they are more likely to feel depressed, sad, tired and worn out.